What knives are illegal to own in the UK? The banned knife guide

UK knife law can be confusing, especially when certain knives are legal to own, others are legal to carry only with good reason and some are completely prohibited regardless of intent.

From flick knives and butterfly knives to zombie-style machetes and disguised blades, there are a number of weapons that fall under specific UK legislation and cannot legally be owned, sold, imported or carried. 

In this guide, we break down the most commonly asked-about illegal knives and offensive weapons in the UK, explaining what they are, why they were banned and the legislation behind them. Whether you are a collector, everyday knife user or simply looking to stay on the right side of UK law, understanding the difference between a legal tool and a prohibited weapon is essential.  

Are Butterfly Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are illegal in the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988, as extended by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. These knives feature a blade concealed between two rotating handles that swing open around the tang, allowing rapid one-handed deployment. Originally developed in the Philippines, butterfly knives became associated with concealment and fast access rather than utility use, which led to their prohibition. Under the 1988 Order, it is illegal to manufacture, sell, hire, lend or import a butterfly knife in the UK. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 extended that prohibition to include possession even in private.

Are Flick Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Flick knives are illegal in the UK under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959. A flick knife is defined as a knife with a blade that opens automatically using a spring, button or mechanism contained within the handle. They became heavily associated with street crime and gang violence during the 1950s, which resulted in a nationwide ban. Today, it remains illegal to sell, import, manufacture or possess a flick knife in the UK.

Are Gravity Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Gravity knives are illegal in the UK under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959. Unlike a standard folding knife, a gravity knife opens using gravity or centrifugal force rather than manual pressure applied directly to the blade. Although originally developed for military and aviation use, they were later classified as offensive weapons due to their ability to open quickly with one hand. Possession, sale and importation are prohibited throughout the UK.

Are Zombie Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Zombie knives were first banned in the UK in August 2016 under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2016. The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 extended that prohibition to include private possession, and the definition was broadened further in 2024. These knives are typically large, aggressive-looking blades featuring serrations, spikes or threatening words and imagery. The government determined that zombie knives had no practical utility purpose and were being marketed primarily for intimidation and violence. As a result, it is illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or import them in the UK.

Are Zombie-Style Knives and Machetes Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Zombie-style knives and machetes became illegal in the UK on 24 September 2024 following updated legislation designed to close loopholes around zombie knife branding. These blades are generally over eight inches long and often feature serrated edges, multiple sharp points, spikes or holes cut into the blade. Even without explicit “zombie” wording, the overall design and appearance can now bring them within the scope of the ban. Ownership, sale and importation are prohibited.

Are Swordsticks Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Swordsticks are illegal in the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 Offensive Weapons Order. A swordstick is a concealed blade hidden inside what appears to be a walking cane or staff. The concealed nature of the weapon is the key reason for its prohibition, as UK law treats disguised blades as offensive weapons with no legitimate everyday purpose. Possessing or importing a swordstick is illegal in the UK.

Are Push Daggers Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Push daggers are illegal in the UK under offensive weapons legislation introduced through the Criminal Justice Act 1988. These compact daggers feature a T-shaped handle designed to fit within the palm, allowing the blade to protrude between the fingers during use. Because they are designed almost exclusively for stabbing rather than utility cutting tasks, they are classified as prohibited offensive weapons in the UK.

Are Disguised Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Disguised knives are illegal in the UK because they conceal a blade inside an everyday object such as a pen, comb, torch, lipstick case or credit card holder. UK law treats disguised blades particularly seriously due to the deceptive nature of the weapon and the difficulty in identifying it as a knife. These items are prohibited regardless of intended use and cannot legally be sold, imported or possessed.

Are Knuckle-Duster Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Knuckle-duster knives are illegal in the UK because they combine two prohibited weapon types into a single item. These weapons integrate a blade with a knuckle-duster style grip designed to increase striking force during punching. UK law classifies them as offensive weapons due to their aggressive design and lack of legitimate practical purpose.

Are Cyclone Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Cyclone knives are illegal in the UK under offensive weapons legislation. A cyclone knife features a twisted or spiralled blade profile designed to inflict severe wounds rather than perform normal cutting tasks. Because the blade shape serves little or no utility purpose and is intended primarily to maximise injury, cyclone knives are prohibited from sale, importation and possession.

Are Spiral Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Spiral knives are illegal in the UK because they feature corkscrew-style or helical blade designs intended to cause excessive damage during use. Unlike a conventional cutting blade, the unusual profile has no meaningful utility advantage and is instead associated with offensive weapon design. UK legislation therefore classifies spiral knives as prohibited offensive weapons.

Are Telescopic Truncheons and Batons Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Telescopic truncheons and batons are illegal in the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988. A telescopic truncheon is a baton that extends automatically by means of a button, spring or other device in or attached to its handle. Straight, side-handled and friction-lock truncheons (sometimes referred to as batons) are also prohibited under the same legislation. These items are considered purpose-built offensive weapons and are banned from possession, sale and importation.

Are Blowpipes Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Blowpipes (sometimes known as blowguns) are illegal in the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988. These are hollow tubes out of which hard pellets or darts are shot by the use of breath. Due to their concealed nature and offensive capability, they are banned from private ownership, sale and importation.

Are Hand Claw Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Hand claw knives are illegal in the UK under offensive weapons legislation. These weapons consist of multiple blades mounted to a frame worn over the hand or fingers, often resembling fictional claw weapons seen in films or comics. Because they are clearly designed for slashing or stabbing rather than utility use, they are classified as prohibited offensive weapons.

Are Foot Claw Knives Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Foot claw knives are illegal in the UK because they involve blades attached to footwear or worn on the foot for use as offensive weapons. Their concealed and unconventional nature means they are viewed by UK law as items designed specifically for violence and intimidation rather than any legitimate civilian purpose.

Are Kusari-Gama Weapons Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Kusari-gama weapons are illegal in the UK under offensive weapons legislation covering chain weapons. A traditional kusari-gama consists of a sickle attached to a rope, cord, chain or wire with a weighted striking end, which places it firmly within the category of prohibited offensive weapons in the UK.

Are Kyoketsu-Shoge Weapons Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Kyoketsu-shoge weapons are illegal in the UK under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988. The weapon is defined in UK law as a hooked knife fastened to a length of rope, cord, wire or chain. Traditionally used in Japan, the weapon was designed for entangling, slashing and restraining opponents. Due to its offensive design and configuration, it is prohibited under UK law.